Egg-ceptional Calcium: Harnessing the Power of Eggshells for Your Garden and Pets

As a seasonal farmer, you’re always looking for ways to make the most of your resources and ensure your plants and animals thrive. One often overlooked source of calcium is eggshells. These humble kitchen scraps can provide a wealth of benefits for both your garden and your pets.

Why Eggshells?

Eggshells are composed primarily of calcium carbonate, a vital nutrient for plant growth and development. They also contain trace amounts of other minerals like magnesium and potassium, which can further enrich your soil.

Benefits for Your Home and Garden

Soil Enrichment: Crushed eggshells can be added to your compost or directly to your garden beds to improve soil structure and provide essential calcium. The calcium and other trace minerals enrich the soil and support robust plant development.

Pest Deterrent: The sharp edges of crushed eggshells can deter slugs and snails, protecting your tender seedlings from these common garden pests.

Nutrient Boost: As eggshells break down, they release calcium and other nutrients, promoting healthy plant growth and preventing deficiencies.

Pest Deterrent: Create a barrier around your plants by sprinkling powdered eggshells around the base. The sharp edges can deter pests like slugs and snails from reaching your plants.

Household Cleaner: Mix the eggshell powder with water and a bit of vinegar to create a gentle, abrasive cleaner for scrubbing pots, pans, and other surfaces.

Face Scrub: Combine powdered eggshells with honey or aloe vera to create a natural exfoliating face scrub. The fine particles help remove dead skin cells and promote a smooth, radiant complexion.

Bird Feed: Add powdered eggshells to bird feed to provide wild birds with a valuable source of calcium, especially during the breeding season when they need extra nutrients for egg-laying.

Craft Projects: Incorporate eggshell powder into homemade clay or paint for craft projects. The calcium content adds texture and durability to your creations.

What Happens When You Add Eggshells to the Garden

• Eggshells are rich in calcium carbonate (about 95%), plus trace minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium.
• When crushed and added to soil, they slowly break down, releasing these minerals.
• Plants absorb calcium and other nutrients through their roots, which helps with:
  • Strong cell walls
  • Disease resistance
  • Fruit and vegetable quality

Do We Benefit When We Eat Those Plants?

Yes, but indirectly.

• Plants don’t pass calcium to us in the same form as eggshells. Instead, they incorporate it into their tissues.
• When we eat those plants, we get some of the minerals, especially from leafy greens and root vegetables.
• However, the amount of calcium we absorb from plants is much lower than what we’d get from dairy, eggshell powder, or supplements.

So while you won’t get the full mineral load of an eggshell by eating a tomato grown in eggshell-enriched soil, you’re still:

• Supporting plant health
• Improving soil structure and microbial life
• Creating a more nutrient-dense growing environment

Soil → Plant → Human

This is the core of regenerative farming: when you feed the soil, you feed the plant, and ultimately, you feed yourself. It’s not just about minerals—it’s about vitality, flavor, and resilience.

Benefits for Your Pets

Bone Health: Adding finely ground eggshells to your dog’s diet can help support their bone health and prevent conditions like osteoporosis.

Digestive Aid: The calcium in eggshells can aid in digestion and help maintain a healthy gut flora.

Teeth Cleaning: Chewing on eggshells can help keep your dog’s teeth clean and reduce tartar buildup.

Homemade Dog Treats: Use eggshell powder as an ingredient in homemade dog treats, ensuring your furry friend gets an extra boost of calcium in their snacks.

How to Use Eggshells

Collect and Clean: Save your eggshells and rinse them thoroughly to remove any egg residue.

Bake: Bake in 200 degrees f oven, until the shells are dry. Heating them sterilizes them and kills any microbes on them. 20 minutes or so, remember, you aren’t cooking them, just heating them through.

Cool and Crush: Allow the eggshells to cool completely, then crush them into small pieces or grind them into a fine powder.

Compost or Direct Application: Add the crushed eggshells to your compost pile or sprinkle them directly around your plants.

Supplement for Pets: Mix a small amount of ground eggshells into your dog’s food or use them as a treat.

By harnessing the power of eggshells, you can create a sustainable and nutrient-rich environment for both your garden and your pets. It’s a simple yet effective way to make the most of your resources and promote a healthy, thriving ecosystem.

Understanding Calcium Intake & Eggshell Supplementation

The recommended daily intake of calcium for adults varies by age and gender, but generally falls around 1,000 mg per day. This can be achieved through a combination of dietary sources and supplements, if necessary.

Calcium Carbonate Supplements

If you’re using calcium carbonate, including powdered eggshells, the dosage should be guided by a healthcare provider. Too much calcium can lead to:

• Kidney stones
• Reduced absorption of other minerals

Converting Grams to Milligrams

The conversion is simple:

• 1 gram (g) = 1,000 milligrams (mg)

So if you’re using powdered eggshells:

• 1g = 1,000 mg
• 2g = 2,000 mg
• 3g = 3,000 mg
  Just multiply grams by 1,000 to get your calcium amount in milligrams.

Absorption Considerations

Calcium carbonate requires stomach acid for proper absorption. For individuals who’ve had gastric bypass surgery, reduced stomach acid and surface area can impair absorption. In these cases, calcium citrate is a better option—it doesn’t rely on stomach acid and is more bioavailable.

Why Eggshell Calcium?

Eggshells are a sustainable, natural source of calcium carbonate. They’re not just good for you, they’re great for:

• Your garden (soil enrichment)
• Your pets (nutritional boost)
• Reducing waste (zero-waste living)

By incorporating powdered eggshells into your routine, you support bone health, plant vitality, and environmental stewardship—all from something you’d normally toss away.

The simplest resources often hold the most profound benefits. Embrace the power of eggshells and watch them nourish your body, your soil, and your soul.

Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this post, please leave a comment, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more tips and insights. Stay tuned for more seasonal farmer wisdom and sustainable living ideas!

The Seasonal Farmer, Don & Kirsten